Instructor: Marilyn I. Cannon, Professor Emeritus in Biology
email: marilyn.cannon@sonoma.edu
OFFICE: Darwin 216
PHONE: 664-2717 (office; voice mailbox)
Also, messages can be left in my mailbox in the Biology Dept.
Office Hours: Thurs. 12:30 - 1:30; Friday 10:30 - 11:30 (or by appointment)

ITDS 280/ENGL. 280, Introduction to California Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary California humanities course which is designed to meet the GE requirement of C4 and serve as an introduction to the California Cultural Studies major. It is the introductory course for both a major and minor in CCS.

• The theme is Environmental in the sense that all cultures affect their environment and are in turn affected by their environment. Thus, understanding California's many unique landscapes and ecological communities are essential to an understanding of California's literature, natural and human history, and to the myriad of cultural experiences.
  
• This course explores the way California writers, naturalists, geologists, biologists, ecologists, environmentalists, photographers, artists, filmmakers, architects and geographers have imagined and constructed California lanscapes. Each lesson unit is organized around a bioregion with a focus on how the many ethnic groups represent their culture and are represented within a region. Field experiences will be joined with in-class lectures/discussions and small group presentations.

Students are introduced to the demands of living in a pluralistic society such as California, as well as to the communication skills needed to develop cross-ethnic and cross-cultural perspectives.

Required Books: All are available at the SSU Bookstore and through online sources. Northlight Books in Cotati may have copies, also.

• Fradkin, Philip. 1997. The Seven States of California: A Natural and Human History. U. C. Press, Berkeley, 474 pp. ISBN 0-520-20942-7
• Gilbar, Steven. (Ed.) 1997. Natural State. U.C. Press, Berkeley, 377 pp. ISBN 0-520-21209-6
• Mosley, Walter: Little Scarlet

Objectives for this Course:

1.  To provide students with a general introduction to California regionalism 
2.  To explore the relationships between land/cityscapes and ethnic and regional identity 
3.  To develop cultural and historical awareness of the uniqueness of California Culture 
4.  To connect imagined spaces with historical and natural spaces 
5.  To explore the aesthetic foundation of California arts and literature 
6.  To develop capacities and skill related to collaborative work 
7.  To gain experience communicating valuable insights and research results 

 Please note: Students taking this course will already have some experience in critical reading and writing for general fine arts and literature courses. Prerequisites: completion of GE A1 and A2.

 Assessment (Grading)

Analysis of a portfolio consisting of all assignments: response papers, term paper/or project, examinations, and assessment. Students must achieve competency in a constellation of skills derived from discrete knowledge areas.

• Semester Research Paper, Outline, and Presentation = 20%
• Weekly Quizzes = 10%
• Midterm #1; Midterm #2 and Final Exam = 30%
• Response Papers = 20%
• Attendance = 10%
• Participation = 10%

Grading Scale:

90 - 100 % A                 80 - 89 %   B                   70 - 79 %  C                   60 - 69 %  D

Plus and minus grades will be assigned for all (except A+, which is not allowed by SSU).
No Late Exams or assignments without a Doctor's note. Exams submitted late will have at least 20% deducted from the score.

Important Note:

• You will not pass this course if you do not finish the semester.
• You need to complete all portions of the Midterm Exams and the Final Exam.

Attendance:

• It is expected that you attend every class period!
• No late examinations will be given without a written medical excuse or prior arrangements with the instructor.

Students who wish to be graded in a non-traditional mode (CR/NC, credit/ no credit) must file a Change of Program form, indicating that grading choice at the Office of Admissions and Records. CR will be assigned for an earned grade of C- or better.

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